I have Hemophilia B and I didn't know any other hemophiliacs personally until I went to Camp Freedom when I was about 6 years old. The camp is sponsored by the Tennessee Hemophilia & Bleeding Disorders Foundation. Camp Freedom is a place for kids with bleeding disorders to come together to learn and to become part of the community. The bleeding disorders community is large and it becomes your extended family. Kids get to participate in fun activities in a safe environment because many of the staff members are medical professionals. The camp teaches you about teamwork and responsibility. The staff shows you how to care for yourself (learning how to infuse, understanding your disorder) and how to care for others. They show you how to enjoy life safely and not live in fear. For those of us who didn't know anything about their disorder and felt alone, this camp is a life raft in a sea of confusion. I’m in college now and I am a volunteer counselor for the camp. I’m studying biology and I’m going to be a hematologist so I can continue supporting this community that has been so good to me and my family. I recently learned that I also have von Willebrand’s Disease and a platelet function defect. I have three bleeding disorders, but I’m prepared to handle that thanks to Camp Freedom and THBDF.
This is why I give.
Won’t you please support the Tennessee Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Foundation to keep this camp going and to help other kids like me? They don’t have to be alone.
Review from #MyGivingStory